Trunk



(No Model.) 4 SheetsSheet 1.

W. H. S. WESTLAKBf TRUNK.

N10. Patnted Apr. 3,1894.

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4 Sheets-S'he,t 2.

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'INVENTOF? WI TNE SSE S 4 Sheets-'Sheet 3.

K. A L Em m ..T S v H w 110,517,711. Patented Apr. 3,1894.

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ncl unmanumoeum simian. n- B- (No Mddel.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

W. WESTLAK-E. TRUNK;

Patnted Apr. 3', 1894.

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WITNESSES:

ATTORNEYS.

Y UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE.- r

, WILLIAM H. s. WESTLAKE, OF ocim, PENNSYLVANIA.

"TRUNKF,

' :SPEGIFIGATION forming' part of Letters l atent No. 517,711, dated April 3, 1894.

' Application filed June 23, 1893. Serial No. 478,574:- (No model.)

' T0 wZZ whom it may concern.- i

lowingis a full, clear, and exact description.

construction and combination of This invention relates t'o'improvements in trunks, and particularly to a class having a plurality of compartments within, for the convenient storage and arrangement'of articles that are to be transported inthe trunk or packlngcase.

.The object of my invention is to provide a novel trunk or packing case, which is strong,

durable, water-tight, adapted to'prevent entrance of dust, and which is composed of a number of separate box like compartments, all hinged. tofabottom .piece and thatare compact andconvenientin' arrangement, permitting thesei boxes to be outwardly'folded and separately opened to obtain access to contents of the same.

To theseends my invention consists in the parts, as is hereinafter describedv and claimed.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming a partof this'specification,

in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is a perspective view-of one style of trunkhavin'g features of the improvement, in a closed condition; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the trunk shown in Fig. 1, with its parts in open adjustment. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the improvement shown in Fig. '2,

withits compartments folded together, and

the trunk lid inpart, shown in elevated adjustment. Fig. 4. is a reverse plan view of the device, showing the construction of the trunk bottom. sectional view of the lower portion of the device shown in Figs." 2, 3 and 4., taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 4. 'Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of novel features of construction in extended adjustment. Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view of parts, on the line 7-7 in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a trunk having other features of improvement. Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view in open adjustment of novel details embodied in the trunk shown in Fig. 8... Fig. 10 is an Fig. 5 is anenlarged vertical enlarged transverse sectionalview of parts,

on the line 10-10 in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a verticalsectional view, on the line 11 -11 in .Figs. 9 and 12. Fig. 12 is a sectional plan view, on the line 12-12 in Fig. 11; Fig. 13

is an enlarged, broken sectional view of the 1 walls of the trunk shown in Fig. 8, on the di- 4 agonal line 1313 in said figure; and Fig. 14 I is a plan view of a detail of construction opposite the arrow 14 in Fig. 13.: e

' 1 The details shown'in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, represent the preferred construction for trunks that are not designed to withstand sheet metal, such as steel plates of a proper thickness. I The front and rear walls of the trunk, are

portions of two similar rectangular boxes, re-

' being constructed either of tough wood, or

spectively designated by. the reference letters B and 0, the width of which parts is nearly 5 equal with-that of the bottom wall A. The

outer lower edges of the boxes B, O, are hinged to the corresponding edges of the bottom A, i

by means of the strap hinge leaves a, that are affixed in pairs on the outer sides of the box walls as shown in Figs. 1,4, 8 and 9 and have a loose engagement with the guard-rail b,

that is secured to the bottom wall A. The rail b, consists of a rectangular ring of metal rod, preferably made cylindrical in the body," and of such dimensions as will adapt it to conform with and encompass the'edge of-the bottom A, projecting from thesame a short distance. g

A preferred means for securingthe guard rail 1) to the bottom A, comprises "a suitable number offfiat keeper plates 0 or c, that are scrolled at the ends so as to clasp the rail, and are transversely arranged and affixedupon the lower surface of the bottom, and said plates may be reinforced by an intervening plate 0 as indicated in Fig. 4.. The depth of the boxes B, O, is so proportoo tioned that when these are erected and rest on the bottom in parallel vertical planes, a space of proper width is allowed to intervene their inner upright edges.

Preferably each box B, G, is provided with a sliding cover piece d, havinghandles d for their manipulation to open or closethem, as represented in Figs. 2, 8, and 12, so that the outward and downward folding of the boxes, or either of them will permit an inspection or removal of articles contained within said receptacles.

Between the boxes B, 0, other receptacles are located, these comprising two pairs of folding boxes D, D, and E, E. The dimensions of the four similar boxes D,D E, E are such, as i willpermit them when vertically arranged across the bottom wall A, to occupythe space betweenthe inner side edges of the "boxes B, .G, as shown inrFigs. 3, 11, and12, andas therein indicated, said boxesarerectangular structures, hinged together in-pai1s,.at adjacent top-edges;.soastopermit each-pair to beextended in the same plane" by" an: unfolding movement of one box of each pair. boxes =D,E,.that are outermost, have a hinged connectionrat their lower. outer edges, withthe guardrailb, effectedby theplates c, which are secured-on the, boxes, and: loosely. encircle the; railwith their scrolled lower ends, wherebytliewpairs-of boxes D, D, E, E, are permittedtoassume the positions shown in Figs. 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12, when properly inanipulatedto effectisuch adjustments of parts, thepain of boxesshown in Fig. 6, representing them; arranged. withtheir hinged end walls in contact, .so as to exposesidcs of thesame: that aremade to impinge eachother when the boxes are folded together,as represented'at the left in Fig.2..

Transverse partitions g, are preferably provided-for the-boxes D,.D, E, E, and a slidin g cover g,.for each pair of saidboxes which covers are adapted to fit in the grooved sides of theboxesD, E,.and serve to close the adjacent sidesof each pair of boxes when theseare in=a folded conditioma handle g being attached to each. cover to facilitateits sliding movement.

There isa gum, or other slightly yielding water-proof joint striph,.secured along each edgeof the-bottom wall A, on its upper side,

to receive the lower ends of the boxes B, C, D, D, E, E, providing an elastic cushionibetween thebottomwall and said boxes, which will prevent the entrance of dust and water, similar gum joints 1', being placed between the adjacent side edges of the boxes D, D

andE, E, to seal the crevices between. these The adjusted to close it. When the boxes named, are inan upright position the spring clasp shown in Figs. 2 and 3, on the box D, is interlocked with a complementary plate (not shown) on the box E, which will retain these parts in closed adjustment, any preferred =form forthe locking clasp being used.

On the sides of the boxes D and E, that are outermost, when these receptacles are in an upright position, the overhanging strips .7 are afiixed, which strips will cover the joints between the boxes 0, D, B, and B, E, C, when these parts are upwardly folded to close the trunk, as represented in Figs. 1

and 8.

The lid A providediforthe lighter style of trunk shown invFigs. 1 and 2,,is made ofany l preferred material, and. is furnishediwith aw depending flange m, thatispreferablytormed of. metal,thelid being proportioned 1m area:

so that saidflangewilh closely. embrace the .upperendsand outer surfacesofi theboxes 15,0, D, E, when theseparts areadjusted to- ;close the trunk.

The lid A, isstronglyhinged towtheouter upper edge oftherear box. 0,.which hingese ,lfip on the lid as indicated in Figs. 1 andrS. 1A gum jointstrip-m' is-securedon the inner ;latter is shut.

In the lighter style of' trunk,.springyhasps m of any approved constnnetiomare pro- .vided,.which are attached tothe flange m, "and engage a locking plateiornothen equivar lent. device (not shown), so-as to aid the-lock m ,.in-holding the lid in closed adjustment, and the usual trunk straps mare alsofunnished for a like purpose.

In theheavy stronger trunk showniinFigs. 8 to14, inclusive,- thereare brace bars 0, pro- -vided, to stiffen the connection between. the boxes D, D, E, E, when. they arefolded: together as shown in Figs. 1 1 and.12, these parts consisting of two pairs of similar flat bars of Inetal,.that have their lower ends sloped to adapt them to form anxacute angular tcrminahwhen they are joined and the bodies of i the pair of bars are divergently arranged, the pointed lower ends being inserted: into pockets 0, formed in the bottom: wall A, of the trunk, which wall can be madeofi wood, or

sheet metal, as may be preferred.

of the boxes-D, D, E, E, by a staple andihoolr connection 19, for each boxon each end wall of the same,whereby thetwopairs of brace bars 0, are disposed in amanner that will retain: the boxes named inialclosely boundcondit-ion. until the bars are displaced by a proper manipulation ofparts.

At each corner of thetruuk represented in Figs. 8-to 14, there aremetal cornerpieces 0',

provided, which areright angular in. cross section, and each has ahinged connection The bars 0, are removably securedto the engaged walls formed between its-lower end, and the guard rail b, the latter being suitably shaped at the corners topermit such a jointed connection to be produced, as is represented in Fig. 9, at a" Atthe upper ends of the corner pieces 1', buffer holders r are hinged, the construction of which parts is clearly shown in Figs. "13 and 14, each comprising a metal piece of elongated" rectangular form, having a recess produced in the upper surface for the reception and retention of a gum buffer block W, that projects above its holder, so as to receive the impact of aforcible contact with a floor or an imposed heavy article when the trunk is in service. The holders T are further provided with means for the reception of the ends of securing straps s, that are'extended in pairs diagonally across the lid-of the trunk and buckled together as shown in Fig. 8;

stationary locking devices (not shown) that may be affixed to the trunk lid and adapted to receive the staples and be locked thereto. Preferably the gum joint piece h, on the bottom A, is given a sloping form on Opposite sides, as'indicated in Fig.10, and is retained 111 place near each edge of the rectangular bottom by the angle strips it that are secured to the bottom wall, and clamp the joint piece thereon.

To protect the guard rail b, gum buffers '12 are preferably located on the lower surface of the bottom wall A, these blocks being held in place by the keeper plates 1), that are secured to the wall A, as shown in Fig. 13, so

that the entire weight of the trunk and its contents will be sustained by the bufiers o,

cwhich will absorb percussive shocks which cured at opposite points on the end walls of the trunk body near the transverse center as usual, the outer boxes D, E, representing such parts of the trunk.

It is claimed for this device, that great convenience is afforded for the packing of goods of various descriptions, and also for removal of the same-from any of the compartments or boxes composingthe trunk, and asthese boxes are all tightly sealed from the intrusion of dust or water, fabrics of the most delicate nature can be safely transported in either form of the improvement.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a trunk, the combination with a bottom piece, of series of rectangular boxes hinged thereto by their outer edges at lower ends, and a lid adapted to bind the tops of the boxes together, substantially as described.

2. In a trunk, the combination with a bottom piece, of boxes hinged thereto by their lower ends, and adapted to fold outwardly or stand upright on said bottom, and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of the boxes togethensubstantially as described.

3. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, of two boxes hinged to opposite edges of the bottom piece, intervening boxes also hinged to edges of the bottom piece, and a lid. hinged to one box and adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, substantially as described.

4:. I In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, of a marginally secured substantially rectangular guard rail, boxes hinged by lower ends upon said rail, and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, substantially as set forth.

5, In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece; a substantially rectangular guard rail secured thereto and project ed at the edge of said bottom piece, and two boxes approximating in width the length of two opposite sides and hinged thereto so as to be adapted to stand upright on the bottom piece, or receive an outward folding adjustment of two pairs of folding boxes hinged by one edge of one box of a pair to other parts of the guard rail, and a hinged lid, substantially as described. v

6. In a trunk, the combination with a bot tom piece, a guard rail thereon at its edge, and boxes hinged thereto so as to fold outwardly or stand upright, of elastic joint strips between the boxes, an elastic joint strip between the bottom'piece and boxes, and a hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, substantially as described.

7. In a trunk, the combination with a rectangular bottom piece, and a guard rail secured by transverse plates thereonand conforming to the edge of the bottom so as to project.

therefrom, of a plurality of boxes hinged to the guard rail and adapted to stand on the bottom or fold outwardly, a lid hinged to one box and binding all together when shut, and

means to secure the lid in closed adjustment,

.boxes hinged to opposite parts of the guard rail and adapted to stand between the other boxes, joint strips intervening the 'folded boxes and spaced boxes, a joint strip between all the boxes and the bottom piece, a hinged lid, a joint piece between the lid andallthe boxes, and means to secure the lid inclosed adjustment, substantially as described.

9. In a trunk, the combination, with arectangular bottom piece, a guard rail thereon, two parallel and spaced boxeshingecl by lower ends tothe rail, two pairs of folding boxes hingedto the rail and intervening the spaced,

boxes, and ahinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the boxes together, of hinged an,- gular cornerpieces, and adjustable straps extending diagonally onthe lid from said corner pieces, substantially as described.

10. In a trunk, the combination, Witha rectangular bottom piece, a guardrail thereon, i two opposite spaced boxes hinged to said rail, and two pairs of folded boxes intervening the spaced, boxes and alsohinged totlie rail, an-

gular corner pieces-hinged by lower, ends to the corners of the guard rail, butter holders hinged to upper ends of the angular corner pieces, elastic butter blockstherein, and adjustable straps extended from theholders, of

removable brace barsou theifolded boxes,ia hinged lid adapted to bind the tops of all the ,boxes together, elastic joint strips between theboxes, a joint strip between the lid and boxes, a joint strip between theboxes and bottomv piece, and elastic buffers on said: bottom piece, substantially as described.

WILLIAM, H. S. WESTLAKE. Witnesses:

GEO. VANDERSLICE,, J OHNDOMER. 

